No HDTV LCD Buying guide?

[gizbug]

As there really is no good buying guide on this forum, does anyone recommend a good reliable source for reviews on 42" LCD HD tvs?
Was going to buy a Westinghouse until numerous people told me they were "cheap" and low end so I am back at the drawing board.

 

[Muadib]

I like c/net for a good starting point. I find their reviews to be accurate and to the point. I then suggest going to avsforums, and finding the thread for the models that have caught your eye.

And yes, the Westinghouse brand caters to the low end of the lcd market, but I wouldn't call them cheap. My biggest problem with them is their black levels. If you can live with them though, Westinghouse is a pretty good buy.

What's your budget, and what features do you need?

 

[erwos]

Originally posted by: Muadib
I like c/net for a good starting point. I find their reviews to be accurate and to the point. I then suggest going to avsforums, and finding the thread for the models that have caught your eye.

I like C|Net's reviews of HT equipment, too. They tend to be surprisingly complete, but to the point. Audioholics is another good place to look - they usually nail the important stuff as well.

You are generally going to get what you pay for - so if your budget is < $1000 and you want a 42" 1080p screen, some compromises will inevitably happen - generally a bad scaler, worse contrast/response time, fewer inputs, maybe a few less features, etc. The trick is to understanding what you need, and how you can correct those flaws with other hardware if you need to (buy an external scaler, device switches, etc.).

 

[gizbug]

Thanks.
Looking at spending around 1000-1400.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: gizbug
Thanks.
Looking at spending around 1000-1400.

I don't know how firm that budget is, and how set on 1080p you are (at that size screen it is pretty meaningless, but some people still want it). You may want to look at the Pioneer Kuro 4280. Currently on Amazon is $1700, but I have seen it for $1550 or so shipped without looking to hard.

If $1400 was a firm budget Westinghouse isn't a bad option, but I would go with the Samsung 65 series (http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-...qid=1204910142&sr=1-5) or 69 series if you want to spend a bit more (http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-...qid=1204910142&sr=1-7), the Sony Bravia series (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-KDL...qid=1204910142&sr=1-8), or the Sony XBR2 (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-KDL...id=1204910281&sr=1-34).

I personally prefer plasma however, and would go with the Panasonic 700u most likely if I had to stay in that price range and couldnt get a Kuro(http://www.amazon.com/Panasoni...qid=1204910424&sr=1-2).

I would go:
Kuro 4280
Panasonic 700U
Samsung 69 series
Samsung 65 series
Sony XBR2/Bravia (about equal IMO)
Westinghouse

In that order. Make sure to go look at the TV's and try to find stores that actually have them setup correctly (non-torch mode for LCDs) and if possible in a dedicated sitting room preferabally.

 

[gizbug]

Thanks. I have two friends who have this ( http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ol...oduct&id=1181831586462 )one and love it. But the more I read, the more people say to stay away from it as it is "low end."

I guess I need to find a comprehensive site that lists all features so I can choose what I want. Right now I live in an apartment, and would like to watch HD movies and play my Xbox 360 on it.

 

[Midnight Rambler]

Definitely head to AVS Forums. Prepare to spend a lot of time there reading/researching, they're quite extensive.